From the stage to the airwaves
My first love as a performer has always, and always will be, the stage. The connection that can be made between the actor and the audience has always been almost like a drug to me - intensely pleasurable, addictive beyond belief, and something that I’ll give up a lot to get. I had that opportunity just recently when I moonlighted away from Raconteur to appear in Rosebriar Shakespeare Company’s production of King Lear, which enjoyed its’ opening night last night.
But I’ve also always been in love with old-time radio plays. The Shadow, X-Minus One, Suspense - all of them have thrilled me for years. And the audio drama is beginning to see a resurgence thanks to podcasting.
I’ve started working with BrokenSea Audio, who originally came to my attention because of the audio dramas they produce for Feedback, the winner of the first season of the reality show Who Wants To Be a Superhero? Well, back in August, I auditioned for an original horror piece entitled Smile. And, to my great surprise, I was cast in it. I recorded my lines in September, and have tried (mostly unsuccessfully) to not think about it since then.
Today is Halloween. The last day of their “Season of Screams.” And Smile was posted this morning.
I am absolutely twitterpated. Have a listen, will you?
It’s not the same as live theatre. I have no idea who will listen to it, or when, and I’ll never get to gauge the audience reaction. I didn’t even have the opportunity to meet with my co-stars, some of whom I’ve never even spoken to via the telephone or e-mail. But I’m still enchanted by the experience, and the idea that I can carry one of my performances around in my iPod is just thrilling beyond belief.
-Aaron
Tags: audio, audio drama, brokensea audio, King Lear, radio, Rosebriar, theatre